Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lexington, SC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to gather, has some resistance against tampering, and is straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for final analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent measure of body hair can be utilized. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing for a drug test outcome consists of four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a specimen into a lab’s framework. This step includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra information not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Screening serves as a cost-effective solution to negate drug use in the majority of samples, yet a positive screen mandates verification before court admissibility. Any specimens showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations in comparison to methods such as urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening is undertaken using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests track drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests that have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: It is extremely challenging to deceive a hair drug test, thus enhancing result precision.
• Offers historical insight: Provides drug use patterns over a duration, not merely recent intake.

Constraints:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result discrepancies: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to detecting substance use, hair follicle testing in Lexington, SC, offers decided advantages over urine tests. Its longer detection window and higher accuracy make it preferable for identifying regular drug use patterns. This enhanced reliability is crucial for employers seeking comprehensive assessments.

Unlike urine tests, which may only trace recent drug activity, hair tests capture a longer history of use. It's this comprehensive approach that enhances its utility in various settings, from workplaces to legal contexts.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Lexington, SC, is renowned for its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use history. This long-term view provides employers with a detailed insight into potential or current employees' drug use patterns.

With its capacity to track an individual's substance history over months, rather than just days, hair testing stands as a robust choice for organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle testing in Lexington, SC, is unmatched due to its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly curtails the possibility of adulterating samples, ensuring the results remain reliable and authentic.

Employers and organizations can trust hair testing to deliver conclusive results, free from the risk of sample manipulation that might compromise other forms of drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Lexington, SC. Having a comprehensive network ensures quick and easy access to reliable testing services, making the process hassle-free.

This widespread availability facilitates smooth scheduling and testing, aiding individuals and companies in achieving their testing requirements efficiently and conveniently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplicity and confidentiality define the hair follicle testing process in Lexington, SC. Ordering, undergoing tests, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure user-friendly experiences while prioritizing privacy.

The process is designed to be straightforward and discreet, addressing all concerns about ease of use and confidentiality, providing a seamless and secure testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lexington, SC, our hair follicle drug tests are known not just for their speed but also for competitive pricing. We offer excellent value with swift turnaround times, making our services accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Our cost-effective approach ensures that organizations can rely on top-tier testing without burdening their budget. This balance of affordability and efficiency makes our offering truly appealing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lexington, SC, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and precise results. Recognized for their high accuracy, they efficiently identify substance use, supporting informed decisions. This method's quick reading and dependable detection contribute to its growing preference over traditional testing forms.

Speed and reliability make this testing invaluable, providing prompt outcomes without compromising on accuracy. This ensures that individuals or organizations can rely on a trusted method for revealing substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Lexington, SC, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance minimises legal risks and enhances the safety and productivity of corporate environments.

By adopting this method, businesses demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and compliant workplace, benefiting both employers and their teams.

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